A Couple of Larks

A Couple of Larks

As many of you know, I am completely taken with sewing knits since my first knit success, the Sallie Dress. I wanted to keep my excitement going this week by participating in the Lark Tee Sewalong. The lark tee is the latest pattern from Grainline Studios, and I have a feeling it will be skyrocketing to fame in the blogosphere in the next few weeks.

The lark tee is a very versatile and flattering garment. With 4 variations included, it offers 16 possible combinations. If you use your imagination it is practically endless! Jen has promised a few tutorials at the end of the sewalong, including a cardigan hack and a rounded hem variation. I’ve already been dreaming of deeper scoop necks and tank top versions for myself.

I have never made a t-shirt before. I always thought of t-shirts and tank tops as ready-to-wear basics, something I pick up at H&M when my current ones are showing their age. I am still a bit baffled by where this idea came from, and I am extremely happy to have realized that I can, in fact, make basics! and sew knits! and stop shopping at H&M! You guys, this just got real…

I made both of my Larks with the standard t-shirt sleeve and the scoop neck. The berry coloured one was first, and it went off without a hitch! I did pull the fabric a bit when hemming one of the arms, but it wasn’t too noticeable after a wash. Once the first one was complete I powered on through to the second version, made with a gorgeous bamboo lycra blend. OMG this fabric, seriously, it’s the softest. It doesn’t look like much in these photos so you’ll just have to take my word for it 😛

One difference I made from the first to the second version was that I did a larger zig-zag stitch for the hem on the second version. I don’t have a serger but I wanted to maximize the stretch on the garment so I can pull it on easily – it is a t-shirt after all. The larger zig-zag provides more stretch, and surprisingly doesn’t look any more obvious. The grey version also fits a bit better than the berry one, but that is all due to the difference in fabric quality.

I opted not to topstitch the shirt collar, but I may add it yet. I was having one of those moments where I got scared that I might ruin the garment, so maybe after I wear it a bit I will add it in. I have already worn both of these shirts twice! In one week!

I’m excited to see your Larks, and I hope you are as excited as I am about this pattern!

Do it, Jodi! My mom always sewed my halloween costumes and fancy garments for me as a kid, it was so much fun to help pick the fabrics and learn to sew. Not to mention what a great skill it would be to have up at North Bend!

Lovely!!! I’ve also recently realised that I could finally get a t-shirt that fits properly by making it myself! I think I’m going to use the Colette / Seamwork Mesa as my basis though, as it fits really well, and I can’t justify buying yet more patterns at the moment! x

[…] to shoot than pajamas! These are the Carolyn Pajama Shorts from Closet Case Files, paired with my Grainline Studio Lark tee for a seriously comfortable getup. I have never been pleased with my past attempts at indoor […]

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About Helen’s Closet

Helen's Closet is a sewing blog for modern makers! My name is Helen and I run this blog from my home in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I love making my own clothes and sewcializing with the indie sewing community. Check back every week for a new garment post and the Wednesday Weekly, an indie sewing newsletter. You can check out my PDF sewing patterns, too!
Drop me a line anytime to say hi, I would love to hear from you!